How to Get to Playa Sombrero and Matapalo

Driving to Playa Sombrero (35 minutes) is about 14.5 km/9 miles south of Puerto Jimenez on the Carate highway (dirt road). From the petrol station and the supermarket (Corcovado BM) you will leave Puerto Jimenez, after leaving town you will cross five small bridges (some very small and easy to miss) and finally a small stream/concrete culvert. Right after you pass the stream/concrete culvert look for a entrance made with yellow concrete on your left hand side, this is where Casa Playa Sombrero, Rio Sombrero and Troya are located. If you pass the property soon after you will cross a stream, then a small cantina called Buena Esperanza (or Martina's as the locals know it by). Property managers Walter and Monika will be there to greet you. 4x4 Vehicles recommended.

Driving to Casa Tonka, Playa Sombrero (30 minutes) is about 12 km/7.4 miles south of Puerto Jimenez on the Carate highway (dirt road). From the petrol station and the supermarket (Corcovado BM) you will leave Puerto Jimenez, after leaving town you will cross five small bridges (some very small and easy to miss). You will pass the Blue Osa yoga retreat and then soon after see a sign for Playa Tamales. After you pass the Playa Tamales entrance (you can enter from both directions) the Casa Tonka property will be the first on your left, and you will see a "Privado" sign. Property managers Ronald, Xinia and Tristan will be there to greet you. 4x4 Vehicles recommended.

Driving to Playa Matapalo (45 minutes) 19.5 km/12 miles. It is in the same direction and a little bit further down the road from Playa Sombrero and Carbonera. From Puerto Jimenez take the road SOUTH from the petrol station (La Bomba) and the supermarket (Corcovado BM) that goes to Carate. After leaving town you will cross a number of bridged creeks/rivers on your way out. The little Tamales river bridge is the last bridged river...from there you will drive through 8 creeks/rivers before getting to Matapalo. You will see the ecology change at Rio Carbonera and really feel like you are in the jungle. There's a covered bus stop about 300 to 500 yards south of the Carbonera foot bridge and just beyond the bus stop is the turn off for Matapalo...go LEFT and then take a RIGHT so you drive thru the cement posts at the 'gates' of Matapalo (an empty guard station structure) congratulations you have made it!

By Taxi: From Puerto Jimenez a taxi to Playa Sombrero costs $30 USD for 2 persons or $40 USD for 4 people. We can make your travel arrangements from town to the beach if you like. Our favorite driver is our friend Antonio; tel. 8812 9645.

By Bus: The Carate colectivo passes by Playa Sombrero and Matapalo twice daily, departing Puerto Jimenez at 6:00 am and 1:30 pm. The fare is ₡3,000/$6 USD and the colectivo passes by Playa Matapalo and Sombrero on its return trip to Puerto Jimenez about 9:30 am and 4:30 pm daily. Pura Vida!